Go Back
Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp & Pesto Pasta - cajun shrimp

Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp & Pesto Pasta

Cajun shrimp pasta: master this flavorful and easy recipe in under 35 minutes. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner with a spicy kick.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups fresh basil
  • 1 cup baby arugula
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded, if desired
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/4 cup toasted nuts (pine nuts or walnuts recommended)
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, or nutritional yeast
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound pasta (linguine or fettuccine recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon salted butter
  • 1 1/2 pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • To make the pesto: In a food processor, combine the basil, arugula, jalapeño, 1 clove of garlic, the toasted nuts, parmesan, and 1/4 cup olive oil. Season with salt. Pulse until a sauce forms, adding 1-2 tablespoons water if needed to thin.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, remove 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain and add the pasta right back into the hot pot.
  • Add the pesto and 1/2 cup coconut milk to the pasta, tossing to combine. Thin the pasta as desired with the reserved pasta cooking water.
  • Meanwhile, make the shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter, shrimp, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, and a big pinch of pepper. Cook on both sides until seared, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Stir in the remaining 3 cloves of garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove from the heat, stir in the 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
  • Toss the cooked shrimp with the pesto pasta. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.